I’m sure, like me, your phone and computer are pinging regularly with urgent updates surrounding COVID-19. Absolutely follow instructions from doctors and government agencies regarding preparedness, testing, social distancing, and quarantine so as not to spread coronavirus to others. This blog entry in no way encourages you to disregard the very real public health issues we are facing. Now, it’s time to talk about faith.
What is our internal experience as believers in this moment? What does faith in Jesus look like in the midst of crisis?
Faith internal
There is no need to engage in extreme fear and panic. That is the antithesis of finding our security in God.
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first (1 John 4:18-19 NLT).
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT).
Faith lived out
Whether this current season of crisis quickly fades or has long-lasting serious impact, we have our lives secured in God for all eternity. Therefore, let us choose to live differently: not with a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-discipline. As Christians, the security our faith provides needs to live out in a healthier emotional response than that of the world.
Let us choose to live differently: not with a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-discipline. As Christians, the security our faith provides needs to live out in a healthier emotional response. Click To TweetAgain, it is important to follow safety protocols as they are put in place. I also fully expect the Spirit will birth in the people of God unique ways to respond to the needs in our communities and share the hope we have in Christ in the midst of this crisis. I look forward to hearing the stories of God at work in you and through you.
Follow safety protocols as they are put in place and expect the Spirit will birth in the people of God unique ways to respond to the needs in our communities and share the hope we have in Christ in the midst of this crisis. Click To TweetAlways be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4-9 NLT).